Buckle



Sept. 12, 1961 1 NORMAN 2,999,286

BUCKLE Filed May 21, 1958 INVENTOR i LUCILLE NORMAN 55K5o BY MCHW/ 5g ATTORNEYS.

2,999,286 BUCKLE Lucille Norman, 4 E. 32nd St., New York 17, N317. Filed May 21, 1958, Ser. No. 736,868 3 Claims. (Cl. 24-1'71) This invention relates to improvements in buckles.

As important objects of the invention, I wish to provide a buckle having positive means for maintaining the buckle in closed position, having improved means for holding fabric securely buckled and which is economical and easy to manufacture.

In accordance with preferred embodimentspof this invention, I provide a buckle having only two intertting parts, these parts having irregularly shaped means which interit in the closed position of the buckle and hold the fabric securely in place. In certain embodiments, the two parts may be snapped into closed relationship. In certain other embodiments, the two parts slide frictionally into closed position.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description, in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

In the drawings,

FIGS. lshow a rst embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded plan view of the two parts or frames of the buckle.

FIG. 2 is a section on line 2 2 of FIG. l, showing one of the frames of the buckle.

FIG. 3 is a section on line 33 of FIG. 1, showing the other frame of the buckle.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the assembled buckle.

FIG. 5 is a section on line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 68.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the buckle in accordance with this embodiment shown in open position.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing the buckle closed.

FIG. 8 is a section on line 8 8 of FIG. 7.

kA third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9, which is a plan view of the buckle showing it in open position.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10, which is an exploded plan view of the buckle.

A fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1l and l2.

FIG. 11 is an exploded plan view of the buckle.

FIG. 12 is a section on line 12-12 of FIG. ll.

A sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13-14.

FIG. 13 is an exploded plan view of the two parts or frames of the buckle in accordance with this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12, showing the buckle closed.

First embodiment The buckle in accordance with this' embodiment cornprises at plate-like frames 1t) and V11. Frame 1) is preferably rectangular and is laterally elongated. Frame 10 optionally has a laterally extending and elongated slot 12 extending across the width thereof and adjacent one laterally extending edge thereof. Said slot 12 terminates at its respective ends slightly inwardly of the side edges of frame 10. Frame 1t) also has a laterally extending and laterally elongated raised rib 13 adjacent the other laterally extending edge thereof. The ends of said rib 13 are optionally located slightly inwardly of the ends of slot 12. Said frame 10 optionally and preferably has a pair of socket recesses 14 located outwardly of the ends of rib 13 and in alinement with the axes thereof.

Patented Sept. 12, 1961 As shown in the drawing, the upper face of frame 10 is preferably planar, except for the raised rib 13 and recesses 14.

Frame 11 is optionally of the same size and shape as frame 10 and has a slot 12a corresponding in size, shape and location to slot 12 of frame 1t). Frame 11 also has a depression 13a in its lower face corresponding in size, shape and location to rib 13 of frame 1G. Frame 11 also has projections 14a in its lower face corresponding in size, shape and position to recesses 14 of frame 1d.

In assembly, frame 11 is placed over frame 1d, and rib 13 lthen registers with depression 13a and projections 14 register with recesses 14a. The two parts are assembled by snapping or fitting projections 14 frictionally into the respective slots 14a, with rib 13 being then received within depression 13a and with the otherwise planar upper face of frame 10 and planar lower face of frame 11 then in ush abutment.

By way of illustration, the buckle of this embodiment is shown as securing together certain straps. Thus, FIG. 5 shows a strap 15 looped through slots 12 and 12a, with the loop ends' extending above frame 10. This prevents loss of frame 11 when it is disengaged from frame 10. Optionally, strap 15 may be secured to the buckle in any other suitable way. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the other end 15a of the strap extended between the abutting faces of frames 10 and 11 and through slot 12a. Upon snapping frames 10 and 11 together, the strap end portion 15a is frictionally gripped within recess' 13a by rib 13. The irregular shape of recess 13a and rib 13 relative to the opposing otherwise flat faces of frames l@ and 11 causes the fabric to be gripped much more securely than if the frames were entirely flat.

It will be apparent therefore, that in this embodiment the buckle frames 16 and v11 are held positively in assembled or locking position and that the end of the strap is gripped in a positive manner in its buckled position.

Optionally, instead of providing frame 11 with depression 13a, a slot may be cut in frame 11, into which rib 13 tits when the buckle is closed.

Second embodiment The buckle according -to this embodiment comprises frames 20 and 21. Frame 20 is of generally rectangular, lat, laterally elongated shape and optionally has a laterally extending and laterally elongated slot 22 adjacent one laterally extending edge thereof. Frame Ztl is also cut out to define a laterally elongated opening 23 adjacent the other laterally extending edge of frame 2t). The edge of opening 23 which is remo-te from slot 22 is of irregular shape to define a plurality of teeth 24 extending into opening 23. These teeth 24 are optionally rectangular in shape. The end teeth 24 are separated from the side margins of frame 20 -by spaces 25. There are spaces 25 between successive teeth 24. Said frame 2t? optionally and preferably has a small socket 27 in the marginal portion thereof, adjacent the left side of opening 23.

Frame member 21 is of generally rectangular and laterally elongated shape and is shown in bottom view in FIG. 6. Said frame member 21 is provided with a generally cylindrical hook-shaped extension 2S extending laterally to the side of one edge thereof and extending through opening 23 and around at least a portion of the margin of frame Ztl adjacent the right side of opening 23. Accordingly, this hook-shaped extension 23 coopcrates with frame 20 to serve as a hinge. Any other suitable hinge may be employed.

The left end of frame member 21, as viewed in FIG. 7, is provided with an upwardly convex extension 29 having a central depending projection 27a. Said frame 21 has teeth 25a corresponding in size and location to 3 spaces 25, teeth 26a corresponding in size and location to teeth 24.

In the closed position of the buckle, in accordance with this embodiment, frame 21 and frame 20 are Vcoplanar, except for the extensions 28 and 29. The main portion of frame 21 fits within opening 23, with the upper faces of frames 20 and 21 coplanar and with the teeth and spaces of the two frames exactly meshing in the manner shown in FIG. 7. Optionally, in the closed position of the buckle, there is a gap between frame 21 and the laterally extending edge of opening 23 which is proximate to slot 22. It will be apparent, without a showing in the drawing, that one end of a strap may be looped through slot 22, and the other end of the strap may be drawn between the teeth of the two buckle frames and then if desired, drawn through the space in opening 23 beyond frame 2l. Accordingly, upon somewhat the same principles as in the case of the iirst embodiment, the two frames are frictionally locked in closed position, with projection 27a snapped into recess 27. Also, the strip is frictionally grasped in a positive manner between the two embodiments.

Third embodiment FIG. 9 shows frame 30 and frame 31. Said frame 30 is of generally rectangular shape and has an end laterally extending arm 32, side arms 33, laterally extending end arms 34 and intermediate laterally extending arm 35. Said arm 35 is preferably located nearer to arms 34 than to arm 32 and defines a laterally extending and elongated slot 36 between the arms 34 and arm 35, as well as an opening 37 between arms 35 and 36. The inner ends of arms 34 are preferably slightly spaced from each other to provide an entrance into slot 36. Slot 36 is optional.

Arm 35 is optionally and-preferably irregularly shaped to provide a plurality of teeth 38 extending into opening 37, these teeth 38 being optionally of the shape of saw teeth. Optionally, in this embodiment, the tooth configuration of the second embodiment may be ernployed.

Frame 31 is in the form of a bar or arm which is laterally extended and laterally elongated and which is located in the same plane as frame 3i). The ends 39 of frame 3l are curved to extend under, koutwardly of and over arms 33, so that frame 31 is at all times slidably mounted upon frame 30. The distance between the laterally extending edges of frame 31 is less than the length of opening 37 to permit the sliding movement of frame 31.

The lower edge portion of frame 31 is shaped to provide a plurality of teeth 38a which are optionally and preferably saw teeth and which exactly complement the teeth 38 of frame 36. In other words, as is clearly shown in the drawing, when slide frame 31 is moved to buckle closing position, the teeth 38a and 38 exactly mesh, similarly to the meshing of the teeth of the second embodiment.

F ott'th embodiment FIG. l shows a buckle having a frame 4G and a frame 4I. Frame 4d is generally U-shaped and is laterally elongated and comprises laterally extending and elongated arm 42 and side longitudinally extendingarms 43. Said arm 4Z is formed with narrow upwardly extending, laterally spaced teeth 44, extending therefrom in the same direction as arms 4.3. Frame 4i is generally rectangular in shape and is sized to t into the space of frame 40 bounded by arms 42 and arms 43. Said frame 41 has optional holes 46 therein which are laterally spaced and which are located adjacent a laterally extending edge thereof. These optional holes 46 may be used to secure frame 4l to fabric. Similarly, frame 4b has optional attachment holes 46a adjacent the free ends of arms 43.

Frame 4l is optionally and preferably formed with a series of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending ribs 44a extending to one laterally extending edge thereof and formed by pressing the material upwardly. Accordingly, there is a corresponding groove under each of the ribs 44a.

In the assembly, the concave lowter face of each ri-b 44a ts over a corresponding tooth 44, with the remaining portion of frame 41 iiush with the upper face of frame 40.

Any suitable means may be provided for securing the two frames together. Optionally, the two frames 40 and 4l are made of plastic such as nylon, which is stiff but somewhat bendable and resilient. Frame 41 may have a tab 45a extending from the same edge as that to which the ribs 44a extend. Optionally, arm 42 is bent outwardly to form a concave portion 45, the lower face of which serves as a sort of socket. Projection 45a is adapted to be snapped into the socket space under the raised portion45., Arms 43 are formed with inward projections 43a which may optionally extend over the angled corners 4in of frame 41 in the nal assembly. Frame 41 may be iexed slightly to bring the angled corners 41a under projections 43a.

Further optional fastening means maybe employed, either in conjunction with or in placement of projection 45a and the corresponding element 45. Said optional additional fastening means may take the form of inward projections 47 of arms 43 adjacent their connection with arms 42. The corresponding corners 47a of frame 41 are optionally upwardly bent and formed into socket elements similar to element 45 into which projections 47 may be snapped. Y

In this embodiment, optionally, ribs 44 may be omitted, and the flat plate 41 may tit frictionally over teeth 44. Optionally, also, frame 4t) may be rectangular, similarly to frame 61 in FIG. 13.

In this embodiment, the buckle is flat and light in weight, and the fabric is firmly clamped between teeth 44 and ribs 44a. Optionally, teeth 44 may puncture the fabric.

Fifth embodiment This is somewhat similar to the second embodiment, except that the two frames are separate rather than hingedly connected. Y

FIG. 11 shows a frame S0 and a frame 51. Frame 50 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises laterally extending and elongated end arms 52 and 53,`and side connecting arms 54, and with a central space 50a. Said arm 52 is formed with laterally spaced teeth 55 which extend into space 50a and which are optionally square as in the second embodiment. Optionally, the teeth may be shaped as in other embodiments. Said amis 54 are provided with upwardly extending projections 56;

Framel 51 is in the form of a plate having a laterally extending and elongated slot 57 adjacent one end thereof, for attachment of plate 51 to fabric. Said plate 51 is formed with laterally spaced teeth 58 positioned and shaped to interfit with'teeth 52 in a manner similar to previously described embodiments, such as that of FIG. 6. Said frame 51 is provided at its sides with recesses or openings 56a. While the assembly is not shown, since it is similar to the assembly of the first embodiment, it will be understood that to assemble the buckle, frame 5l is placed over frame 5d and projections 56 snapped into recesses or openings 56a. Preferably, as shown in FIG. l2, teeth 55 are slightly raised so that when frame 51 overlies frame 50, teeth 55 and teeth 58 are coplanar. Alternatively, instead of raising teeth S5, teeth 58 are bent downwardly so as to be coplanar with teeth 55 when Athe buckle is closed.

Sixth embodiment IiiGS. 13 and 14 show buckle frames 61 and 62.

Frame 61 is generally rectangular inshape and comprises i40 in FIG. 10. Arm 64 has a series of laterally spaced holes 64a for stitching frame 61 to a garment strap. Arm 63 has laterally spaced thin teeth 66 extending into the central recess 61a of frame 61. Each arm 65 has a depressed portion or groove 60 located in lateral alinement with teeth 66 and having a central projection 67.

Frame 62 is generally in the form of a rectangular plate sized to t within recess 61a. Frame 62 has a plurality of longitudinally extending notches 66a extending from one lateral edge thereof and corresponding in size, spacing and position to the teeth 66 of frame 61. Frame 62 also has outwardly extending ears 60a having recesses or holes 67a.

In the assembly shown in FIG. 13, ears 60a are respectively received within grooves 60 with projections 67 extending frictionally into recesses 67a. Teeth 66 mesh within slots 66a, with the main portion of frame 62 snugly received within opening `61a and coplanar with frame 61.

This buckle assembly is at, light and compact. The fabric is a'rmly gripped between teeth 66 and slots 66a. Optionally, teeth 66 may puncture the fabric. Frame 62 has optional holes 69 and optional laterally extending slot 69a for attachment to fabric.

While I have disclosed a preferred embodiment of my invention, and have indicated various changes, omissions and additions therein, it will be apparent that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein, without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

Thus, it will be apparent that features of the various embodiments may be interchanged. For example, the shape of the meshing teeth in various embodiments can be interchanged. By Way of fur-ther example, the frame locking means of FIG. may be employed in other embodiments. Conversely, the frame locking means of FIGS. 13-14 may be used in other embodiments. Also, the sliding connection of the frames of FIG. 9, or the hinged connection of the frames of FIG. 6, may be employed in other embodiments, such as that of FIG. 10. Other ways of interchanging features of various embodiments will be apparent without extended discussion.

I claim:

1. 'A buckle for attaching two pieces of fabric comprising a pair of frames, the first of said frames having a through recess therein, the second frame being movable in an out of closed position within the recess in the rst frame, the second frame having a laterally extending slot in the upper portion thereof, and a plurality of perforations above the slot, the rst frame being provided with a plurality of perforations in the upper part thereof,

the perforations being adapted for sewing the frames to one of said pieces of fabric, both of said frames having a plurality of projections in the lower portions thereof, said projections on said frames adapted to mesh in the closed position of the frames, `and said meshing projec- Itions being adapted to clamp therebetween a second piece of fabric which has rst been passed through the laterally extending `opening in the second frame, whereby the clamping of the fabric between the meshing projections of the two frames force the upper portion of the second frame against the upper part of the through recess of the first frame to lock the lframes together.

2. A lbuckle for attaching two pieces of fabric comprising a pair of frames, the rst of said frames having a through recess, the second frame being movable in and out of closed position within the recess of the trst frame, and being substantially coplanar with the rst frame in closed position, said frames having a plurality of perforations in the upper parts thereof yfor sewing the frames to one of the pieces of fabric, said frames having a plurality of projections in the lower parts thereof adapted to mesh when the 4frames are in closed position and to clamp therebetween a second piece of fabric whereby said frames are locked together in closed position.

3. A buckle for attaching two pieces of fabric comprising a pair of frames, the rst of said frames having `a through recess therein, the second frame being movable in and out of closed position within the recess in the first frame, one of the frames having a laterally extending slot therein, both of said frames having a plurality of perforations in the upper portions thereof, the perforations being adapted for securing the frames to one of the pieces of fabric, both of said frames having a plurality of projections in the lower portions thereof, said projections on said frames being adapted to mesh in the closed position of the frames and said lmeshing projections being adapted to clamp therebetween a second piece of fabric which has just been passed through the laterally extending slot in the frame, whereby the clamping of the fabric between the meshing projections of the two frames force the upper portion of the second frame against the upper part of the through recess of the rst frame to lock the frames together.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,486,599 Moore Mar. 11, 1924 2,363,322 Headon Nov. 21, 1944 2,521,456 Headon Sept. 5, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 80,292 Sweden Mar. 1, 1934 169,076 Great Britain Sept. 22. 1921 

